US EPA approves New Mexico’s Clean Air Plan

New Mexico has updated its Clean Air Plan to meet the latest standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has subsequently approved the updates to New Mexico’s clean air plan.

According to the EPA, New Mexico’s plan meets federal requirements for implementation, maintenance and enforcement of the 2010 sulfur dioxide air standard.

The Clean Air Act requires states to submit plans that meet national air quality standards under the act and that states have a plan that implements, maintains and enforces national ambient air quality standards. When a federal air standard is changed, it is also required that states must update their plan within three years of EPA issuing the new standard. This is what led to New Mexico’s revised plan.